Sean Payton talks about facing the Atlanta Falcons

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Media Availability
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Opening Statement: “We waived quarterback Ryan Griffin and signed kicker Shayne Graham to the active roster. We placed inside linebacker Khairi Fortt on injured reserve designated to ...

Opening Statement: “We waived quarterback Ryan Griffin and signed kicker Shayne Graham to the active roster. We placed inside linebacker Khairi Fortt on injured reserve designated to return and signed wide receiver Robert Meachem. Today was again kind of a base emphasis, (on) first and second down.”

What was your thought process on letting Ryan Griffin go?

“It is part of the deal when you are dealing with the 53 and you are looking at your numbers. We’ve had two (quarterbacks) on the active roster, we’ve also had three. It was what we felt was best heading into this week.”

Do you think there is less of a risk losing him on waivers waiving him now versus on Saturday?

“There’s two parts to that. The injured reserve designation can’t take place until Tuesday, but I don’t know that there’s any less or more of a chance. I think every team in the league pays close attention to waiver wires. More than anything else it was when we were able to do a couple of these transactions. That is just part of it. You don’t go in thinking, hey, strategically we are going to try and release him at a certain time or waive him at a certain time. It is really about getting these guys ready to practice with the schedule we have and so some of it pertains to that.”

What went into the decision to let Champ Bailey go?

“It is always difficult and we are trying to find the best 53. He is obviously a fantastic player. It was really about these other guys and trying to find roles in regards to special teams. It really ended up revolving around that. As to what the role would be on gameday and then who is currently receiving the snaps ahead of him. We spent a little bit of time talking about it and it is obviously always a challenge especially when you are dealing with a player like he is.”

I am assuming part of it is that you didn’t receive a lot of time to see him and evaluate him.

“Yeah, listen, you can only evaluate what you have snap wise and he went through a little stretch there with his heel. Can that impact a decision based on reps? Certainly it can. But again, I think, really we looked closely at the depth at that position and then how it was going to unfold on gameday in regards to all phases.”

Can you talk about Brian Dixon making the team as an undrafted free agent?

“Number one, he can run. He has good ball skills. He stood out a little bit more (to) us in the kicking game. It was just one of those guys that each week you kind of paid attention to. He’s picked things up obviously. He has a lot of work to do coming from the level of competition he played at and yet we saw him do enough things both in the kicking game and at corner that were encouraging.”